This is the house
that provides the home,
that cooks the meals,
that sleeps the people,
that dries the tears,
this is the house that love built.

History of
Ronald McDonald House

In Philadelphia, the first
Ronald McDonald House opened. In the early 70's, the daughter of an Eagle's football
player was diagnosed with leukemia. Her father -- like many other parents wanted to be
with her as much as possible. He spent countless days and nights by her bedside at the
hospital.

As a leader in the community, he was able to contact
friends to raise funds to fight leukemia. But he also identified another need for funds
something that would help parents around the world.

Fred Hill knew what it was like for parents to stay
at the hospital. It was uncomfortable without a room of their own with a comfortable bed,
kitchen, laundry facility and toys for the kids. That's when the search began for a
"home" where parents could stay while their child received treatment.

A large house was found within walking distance of
the hospital. Owners from McDonald's Restaurants agreed to sponsor a Shamrock shake sale.
More than $35,000 was raised to refurbish the house. In 1974, the dream became a reality.
In honor of the clown that brings happiness to children and the support from restaurant
owner, it was named the "Ronald McDonald House."

The idea quickly spread across the country and today,
there are more than 150 Ronald McDonald Houses in the United States, Canada, Australia and
Europe. Each year, the number increases as the need grows.

Residents pay minimal amount (if able) a night for a
room that sleeps up to four members of the family. Some families only stay is just a few
nights. Some, however, stay several months when their child is critically ill. Some
parents return many times during the course of treatment.

Sometimes family members find themselves in a strange
city without the comforting support of friends and relatives. When this happens, a parent
may feel fear and defeat -- at a time when the child needs the courage and love only a
family member can provide. Having family members close by has often proved to be the best
medicine for a seriously ill child. But mom, dad, sister and brother can't be there if
they must pay for an expensive hotel and meal cost for weeks or months.

How do I know this? My youngest son has had two liver
transplants at the University of Chicago Children's Hospital and I have lost track of how
may times and nights that we have spent at the "Ronald McDonald House near the
University of Chicago Children's Hospital." I do not know how we could have managed
if not for this House That Love Built!

Taking the time to care, Ronald McDonald House
Charities and the Ronald McDonald Houses work together to provide a home-away-from-home
for families of hospitalized children.

Eighty-five percent of Ronald McDonald Houses funding
depends on continued generosity of individuals and businesses. The affiliation with Ronald
McDonald House Charities and McDonald's continues to contribute about 15 percent of the
cost of operating each house.

Volunteers make the Ronald
McDonald House a "home." They greet and register families, lend a listening ear,
prepare dinners, decorate the House, help with clean up days, serve on committees, and a
multitude of other activities. It ensures that the House is comfortable for those needing
to stay at a place that is nearby.

Some Volunteers help by dropping off wish list items
which includes baked and canned goods, frozen foods, bathroom cleaners, bedroom linens,
pillows, toys, games, videos, and several other items.

Donations of time, talent or money
are all wonderful ways to benefit the family members that stay at the Houses. By
supporting the House nearest your lodge, you and your lodge can provide a safe, secure and
affordable haven for hundreds of parents and sick children each year.

How Can You
and Your Lodge Help?

You and your lodge can be
Volunteers at the "House That Love Built". Your lodge can adopt a
Ronald McDonald House!

Bricks and mortar may make a "house", but
Volunteers make a Ronald McDonald House "home." Every year, more than 20,000
volunteers provide tremendous support to Ronald McDonald Houses worldwide. They aid in
all aspects of House operations, including fundraising, event planning, renovation,
program development and services to families. Every year, Volunteers contribute nearly one
million hours of time in support of the Houses.

Several organizations have dedicated their volunteer
efforts to aid Ronald McDonald House Charities. Why not your lodge too!!

If you're interested in becoming a
Volunteer, please contact your local Ronald McDonald House Charity.

BE A RONALD
MCDONALD HOUSE VOLUNTEER

Children smile more with comfort,
care and dedicated Volunteers.

BE AN OFFICE
VOLUNTEER: Give tours, answer phones, register residents
and help us make our "home away from home" comfortable.

BE A
VOLUNTEER HANDY MAN:
Every home needs handy men to repair items used by the families.

BE A
VOLUNTEER GARDENER: Plant flowers and help maintain a beautiful
grounds for the residents.

BE A
VOLUNTEER SALESMAN:
Help sell merchandise at booths, fairs, parties and to friends that care.

BE A
VOLUNTEER SPEAKER AT ENGAGEMENTS: Show videos and talk about our programs at
clubs, organizations, businesses and schools.

BE A
VOLUNTEER COOK OR COOK'S HELPER FOR THE FAMILIES: Select a date to bring food and prepare meals
for the families. If your time is limited, help the families by dropping off all-time
favorites such as sandwich trays or pizzas.

THE WISH LIST

Ronald McDonald Houses always
needs various items. You can help us by donating WISH LIST items like these: